Top 10 Pros and Cons of Living in Silver Spring, MD

Silver Spring, Maryland, was established in the 1860s, but it has only, in the last 20 years, become the hip and trendy Washington, D.C. suburb it is today. The Silver Spring Central Business District Sector Plan was implemented in 2000, and since then, the suburb has transformed into a bustling area that is transit-oriented, green, and pedestrian-friendly.

Also, Silver Spring has several different communities to choose from, so you can choose the perfect area to live, work, and play.

What are the benefits and downsides of living in this city? Let’s check out ten pros and cons of living in Silver Spring, MD!

Pros of Living in Silver Spring

1. The Downtown area is filled with exciting things to do

The Fillmore performance venue and the American Film Institute’s Silver Theater are two of the many attractions that make downtown Silver Spring such a popular tourist spot. Silver Spring hosts a number of annual events, such as the summertime Silver Spring Jazz Festival, a wintertime outdoor ice skating rink, and a seasonal Freshfarm farmer’s market.

The downtown area of Silver Spring is also very convenient for those who travel to and from work each day. Metrorail, Metrobus, Montgomery County Ride-On, VanGo, and the University of Maryland shuttle all converge at the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit Center, a multilevel, multimodal complex.

2. Secure a job in the entertainment or education sector

Silver Spring has a thriving economy, so job seekers in this city won’t be short of options. United Therapeutics Corporation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the entertainment industry giant Discovery Communications are just a few of the businesses that call this area home. 

Downtown Silver Spring is home to both the Montgomery College campus and the American College of Radiology.

3. A prime location

Silver Spring sits atop the D.C. diamond, which extends northward from the city center. Downtown Silver Spring residents, on the other hand, have a commanding view of the nation’s capital. You can take the Marc Train, the Metro, a bike, or a car to get to Downtown DC. 

Silver Spring also provides easy access to Interstates 495, 95, 295, 270, and 200, making it easier to get to wherever you need to be. It’s closer to D.C. than Rockville or Kensington, and it’s cheaper than neighboring Bethesda or Chevy Chase. 

4. There’s a lot of green around the city

Silver Spring offers a metropolitan lifestyle without sacrificing the suburban comforts of a home with trees, a garage, and a yard. People, especially those who already own a dog, are usually attracted by these factors. They hope to have access to locations like dog parks, hiking trails, and spacious backyards. 

All of these amenities are available in Silver Spring, and the region is also adorned by majestic trees. A great perk of living in Silver Spring is its proximity to Sligo Creek Park and other fantastic local attractions.

5. Silver Spring is a melting pot of races

The city’s diverse population is another perk of life in Silver Spring. If you’re looking for a multicultural neighborhood, Silver Spring is a great option. Silver Spring is home to people from all walks of life and all walks of the world. 

According to a research by the personal finance website WalletHub, Silver Spring is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the United States.

Non-Hispanic Whites make up 34.4% of the population, followed by Blacks and African-Americans at 28.4%, Others at 17.7%, Asians at 7.05%, and non-Hispanic Whites at 5.87%.

People in the area can learn from one another’s experiences and perspectives, and they can reap the many benefits that the area’s increased diversity has brought.

6. Good food for vegans and non-vegans alike

The diversity in Silver Springs also extends to its food too! There are a ton of amazing places to satisfy your taste buds in this area, regardless of what your preferences are.

Vegetable beef with broccoli, sweet & sour veggie chicken, and Kung Pao veggie chicken are just a few of the vegetarian and vegan-friendly options available at The Vegetable Garden.  Eggspectation Is a well-known chain that keeps the breakfast menu open all day. Relax with a freshly blended juice drink or a breakfast parfait with berries. Sushi and hibachi are both available at Masa Hibachi Steak House & Sushi. 

Popular Mexican restaurants like La Malinche and Mi Rancho, as well as Cuban restaurants like El Sapo and Cubano’s, are great places to satisfy your appetite for Latin tastes. Additionally, the neighborhood is home to a thriving Ethiopian community, which can be seen in restaurants such as Abyssinia and Lesaac. Also, check out popular restaurants like Parkway Deli, Copper Canyon Grill, and La Malinche.

7. See a movie, visit the museum, or check out the city sculptures

Silver Spring, Maryland, is full of exciting opportunities for people of all ages and interests. 

The AFI Silver Theater and Cultural Center is the perfect place to relax with some popcorn and watch classic and independent films, documentaries, and more. The National Capital Trolley Museum is the place to go if you want to learn all about the evolution of streetcars. Enjoy the sculptures, murals, light shows, and more along the Public Art Walk.

Cons of Living in Silver Spring

1. There’s a lot of building going on

The population of Silver Spring has exploded recently! A lot of new apartments and condo complexes are being built, as well as other forms of growth and expansion. Compared to how things were even only a decade or two ago, this has a significant impact on the neighborhood’s dynamics and is unquestionably altering the tranquil town vibe that used to be present.

2. A longer commute time

A further drawback is the city’s high reliance on personal cars for getting about. The truth is that many individuals still prefer to drive in this area, despite the abundance of public transportation options. Because of this, traffic will increase, along with all the other drawbacks associated with heavy car traffic. 

Compared to the rest of the country, the city’s typical commute takes 34.9 minutes.

3. A higher-than-average cost of living

Silver Spring’s high cost of living is something you’ll want to think about before making the move there. The city’s cost of living index is 130.8, 30% higher than the national average. The median home price in the city is also $518,737.

In addition, it should be noted that Silver Spring has higher taxes than the District of Columbia.

In Conclusion

Living in Silver Spring comes with its pros and cons. Some of the city’s pros include a thriving Downtown, a good job market, a diverse community, and many great places to eat. On the other hand, the city has a high cost of living and a longer commute time.